Obedience

Starting with the belief that Obedience Classes are extremely important for a dog to become a well-adjusted and welcome member of any family and having taken my previous mixed-breed dog to Obedience Classes, I took Treasure to classes with the idea of just making my high energy Lab puppy a well-mannered dog.  Along the way and with thanks to Marie P. Babin & Maryke Warwick of the Labrador Owners Club and Eileen Fisher of the Cross-Country Tracking Club, I was introduced to the world of competitive obedience – and fell for it.  I really enjoy the precision work of obedience – although admittedly you wouldn’t know it to see me sweat at a trial.  Trialling is a bit unnerving for both myself and Treasure, but we’re persistent and keep right on learning! 

 CKC Obedience levels and titles are as follows:  Pre-Novice (PCD), Novice (CD), Novice Intermediate (CDI), Open (CDX), Utility (UD), Obedience Trial Champion (OTCh), Obedience Trial Champion Excellent (OTChX), Master Obedience Trial Champion (MOTCh) and Grand Master Obedience Trial Champion (GMOTCh). 

 The PCD is a new level introduced by the CKC in the past couple of years and was created so that those with dogs that weren’t steady enough for the Novice Level of competition yet (CD) could still compete.  This is a great level for beginners to get their feet wet and lots of fun for pet owners who don’t think they’ll pursue extensive competitive obedience careers for their dogs but think it might be fun to put some kind of title on their pet.  For example, the “Stand for Examination” exercise in Novice is a “Sit for Examination” in Pre-Novice.  It’s much easier to get a wiggly dog to sit for a stranger to touch them, without moving, than it is to get them to stand perfectly still for the duration! One step forward by the dog and it’s all over!

 Each level requires that you receive at least 50% of the required points for each section of the test and an overall score of at least 85% in order to qualify.  That is, a score of at least 170 out of 200 points is required.  As stated, you cannot fail any “section” of the test (i.e. If your dog stands in the “Sit Stay”, you are automatically disqualified – although you still have to complete the test – you just won’t pass).  A pass is called a “leg” and you must get 3 legs before you get your title at your given level.  For the various Obedience Trial Champion levels, it’s a bit more complicated than that though and involves working at 2 levels at once.  For more details of the exact requirements for the various levels, contact the CKC to purchase a book with the Obedience Trial Rules & Regulations, and find a great trainer that you and your dog connect with.  A great trainer and a great connection with your dog are crucial to your success in competitive obedience.

 Treasure has achieved her CD title and was a 2005 runner-up for the Labrador Owner’s Club Mandalwood & Rahontsi Trophies.  Rommie has started her Obedience Classes, and Trill practices at home what her sister has learned in classes.